The original developer hopes to complete work at the stalled Kilbride Lane social housing project in Bray.

District Manager Tom Murphy told members of Bray Municipal District at their meeting last week that the council has met with representatives of the company and the examiner.

'Both parties say the intention is that the developer finish the contract,' said Mr Murphy. 'The council awaits specific proposals. We regard this as a priority project and there is every wish for it to proceed.'

Cllr Pat Vance said that the process they are attempting to go through now is the quickest to try to turn it around.

'Everybody involved wants a resolution as soon as possible,' said Cllr John Ryan.

He said that he had also met with the chief executive to offer help if needed and that resolving things directly would be the fastest solution.

'Going to re-tender would be a disaster,' he said. 'Nobody wants that.'

Cllr Brendan Thornhill said that this matter is very urgent. Cllr Vance said that everyone is moving as quickly as they possibly can.

Cllr Joe Behan said that the units are desperately needed and it is a big blow that work has stopped.

Work ground to a halt last month, amid the financial difficulties of MDY construction.

The 42 units at Kilbride Lane were due to be finished by the end of next year. The council acquired the land over a decade ago for €6.1 million.The development is to consist of seven one-bed apartments, three one-bed accessible units for people with disabilities, four two-bed apartments, 20 two-bed two-storey houses, five three-bed two-storey houses and one four-bed three-storey house.